Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs)

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31-Jan-2023: GACs to Address Complaints Against Social Media Platforms

Union government has notified the formation of three Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) that will address user complaints against social media and other internet-based platforms. These panels will also be empowered to oversee and revoke content moderation-related decisions taken by these platforms.

Composition of GACs

  • Chairperson
  • Two whole-time members from different government entities.
  • Retired senior executives from the industry.

Solving of conflicts:

The GACs will deal with two categories of disputes:

  • Violation of law and rights of users.
  • Contractual disputes between platform’s community guidelines and users.

Functions of GACs:

  • Act as a layer of tech-sector regulator that the MeitY is expected to prescribe under the upcoming Digital India Bill, which is the successor to the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Adopt online dispute resolution mechanism where the entire appeal process, from its filing to the final decision, will be done online.

Significance and need for GACs

  • Ensure open, safe, trusted and accountable internet in India.
  • Address large numbers of unaddressed or unsatisfactorily addressed grievances.
  • Create a culture of responsiveness among internet platforms and intermediaries towards consumers.

Three panels:

  • First Panel: To be chaired by CEO of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Second Panel: To be chaired by joint secretary in charge of the Policy and Administration Division in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Third Panel: To be chaired by senior scientist at the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).